Local Reviews
In December 2014, 491Liz_491 said about Hestercombe Gardens
We visited in the late afternoon with our two boys to combine Father Christmas with the lit up garden. The whole Father Christmas experience was a bit underwhelming as we had to wait under a plain gazebo until the 'elf' came to collect us. There was much walkie talkie communication which knocked the magic a bit. The little building he was in was quite cute with a real fire, but it was a shame that the children had to pick their own presents out of the boxes - this always seems a rather cold way to do it.
While waiting for it to get dark we had tea and cake. The cakes are very good with quite decent portions, but it does seem a bit pricy, although we were lucky enough to get a warm place to sit.
The lit garden was pretty, but a bit lacking in drama. They should light up some bigger trees and distant vistas rather than just individual bushes.
We probably wouldn't come here for a festive event again as it was all a bit lacking in atmosphere - shame, because it's lovely in the summer.
While waiting for it to get dark we had tea and cake. The cakes are very good with quite decent portions, but it does seem a bit pricy, although we were lucky enough to get a warm place to sit.
The lit garden was pretty, but a bit lacking in drama. They should light up some bigger trees and distant vistas rather than just individual bushes.
We probably wouldn't come here for a festive event again as it was all a bit lacking in atmosphere - shame, because it's lovely in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Rita W said about Hestercombe Gardens
We came on the Saturday before Christmas to walk around the gardens, and it was magical. There are delicately-lit trees and a 'secret pathway' of sculptures by local artists. Behind the gorgeous illuminated wall, which had gold leaf and images of angels and other characters, was a swan, swimming on the lake, its body illuminated by the colourful lights, and the journey along the path was similarly dream-like, little moments of warmth and colour amongst the dark winter evening. Afterwards we had a hot chocolate in the ice-skating tent, cosy and warming! Father Christmas waved at us from his window on the hill, and I felt like a child again! I think it's an absolutely lovely idea, and they should extend the idea next year, and have more artists' installations involved. This is not London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, this is deep dark winter magic!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Bianca180 said about Hestercombe Gardens
I Visted hestercombe with my partner, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I thought it was fantastic wonderland for all the family to enjoy! My daughter loved all the lite up trees and the fact Santa waved at us from his magical grotto. The art work was fantastic I especially enjoyed the Christmas wall with the lights shining through the glass, a beautiful installation all in all a wonderful evening! It would be lovely if next year there was more art installations on the trail round other than that a perfect family Christmas event!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, Chris LB said about Hestercombe Gardens
This is a great example of a Victorian Manor's garden with great walksand many interesting features. FAB in Spring too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, advancedbikerTaunton said about Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is a hidden diamond in Taunton being only a few minutes drive its tranquil and serine with a timeless appeal
The walls and walkways make it a mixture of formal and informal gardens and woodlands which are a treat anytime of the year. with toilets and refreshments its the ideal family walk especially for those not so sure footed
The walls and walkways make it a mixture of formal and informal gardens and woodlands which are a treat anytime of the year. with toilets and refreshments its the ideal family walk especially for those not so sure footed
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2014, RogerHabgood said about Hestercombe Gardens
These gardens just keep getting better. There is always something to see at Hestercombe and the place is getting better every visit.
Today I took family members and my Chocolate Labrador for a walk around the gardens which are just wonderful The family and dog weren't bad either!. No walk at Hestercombe could be complete without Tea and Cake which was served with a smile by the catering staff.
Walking in late afternoon was good so that I could see the Blackdown Quantocks and Brendon hills from the top of the gardens as the sun sets.
Bonus today as the Skating Rink was in action.
Great place to keep coming back to.
Today I took family members and my Chocolate Labrador for a walk around the gardens which are just wonderful The family and dog weren't bad either!. No walk at Hestercombe could be complete without Tea and Cake which was served with a smile by the catering staff.
Walking in late afternoon was good so that I could see the Blackdown Quantocks and Brendon hills from the top of the gardens as the sun sets.
Bonus today as the Skating Rink was in action.
Great place to keep coming back to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, Patsy D said about Hestercombe Gardens
I love this place! Beautiful gardens and a great place to eat. The history of it is interesting as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, Nina G said about Hestercombe Gardens
As a family we enjoyed a great Christmas Eve at Hestercombe. Skating, winter wonderland illuminated sculpture trail and hot chocolate at the stables cafe. A real festive treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2015, Kai H said about Hestercombe Gardens
We had our wedding at Hestercombe in august 2014. We chose it because it is obviously a beautiful venue, but also having spoken to a number of other venues, we found Julie and all those at Hestercombe totally committed to giving us the day we wanted rather than forcing us into various packages. They accommodated our requests and whims with such patience and friendly professionalism that it was actually a pleasure to plan the big day. On the day itself, everything was so smooth, and we felt relaxed and totally at ease, confident that Richard would ensure everyone had a good time - and everybody did!
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In February 2015, Sickmonkey said about Hestercombe Gardens
I would defenetly recomend this place if you appreciate nature at its best. The gardens are well laid out and the children enjoyed their time exploring them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk